A Novel Method for Fast Induction of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Somatic Embryogenesis

High frequency somatic embryogenesis was directly obtained from stem and leaf explants of cotton abnormal seedling. Direct induction of cotton somatic embryogenesis was affected by different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators. Modified MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA and 0.1 mg/L ZT was the best medium for direct induction of high frequency somatic embryogenesis from abnormal seedlings. With this medium, embryogenic callus was obtained within 10 days of culture, mature embryos was obtained within 20～30 days of culture, regenerative plant was obtained within 60 days of culture. For cotton somatic embryogenesis, there was no difference between stem and leaf explants, but difference existed among genotypes. This method was employed in cotton genetic transformation.